Scott Paul Lightle

Scott Paul Lightle, age 76, passed away on January 9, 2024, at the Naples, Florida, home that he shared with his wife of 54 years, Martha (Parr) Lightle. Scott was born in Granville, Ohio, on August 11, 1947. He attended Granville and Union schools from Grades 1 through 10 before graduating from Bob Jones Academy. He went on to receive a bachelor’s and master’s degree.  At a time when he was physically fit and athletic, he was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. He would scoff to hear himself described as brave, but in the face of that diagnosis, Scott set off on a life of service and adventure.

Scott accepted his conscription to serve in intelligence in the Vietnam War, even though his medical diagnosis could have excused him. After that service, he remained in the Air Force and continued to work in intelligence while earning education degrees that would eventually take him to Europe and Asia for several decades as a history teacher in Department of Defense schools. He climbed mountains in Switzerland, played golf as often as he could until just a few years before his death, coached golf teams and advised students in Model United Nations, and traveled the world, visiting 84 countries, the last four just weeks before his death. Scott was with his golf team on the last train to East Berlin before the Berlin Wall fell. He and his team watched the wall come down.

Along the way, Scott dared his deteriorating health to interfere with his plans. He was clear-eyed about his prognosis but never pitied himself. In fact, he referred to his good fortune and God’s grace continually. He lived the life he wanted to live and approached every day with a spirit of curiosity and wonder. Scott’s encyclopedic knowledge and understanding of history and world events, his great sense of humor, his adventurous spirit, and, most of all, his inexhaustible generosity gained him countless lifelong friends, who will mourn his passing but also remember their times with him with joy and gratitude. When one of those friends was ill or needed a lift, Scott would send a postcard. Somedays, he would send ten or more. Then he would wait eagerly for the mail delivery, as his practice had become contagious and many of his friends returned the kindness.

In addition to his many friends around the world, Scott leaves Marty, his beloved partner in a life of adventure; siblings, Sam, Stan, and Becky; many brothers- and sisters-in law; and nieces and nephews, every one of whom would say that Scott was a towering figure in their lives. His warmth and generosity, devotion, and unwavering respect left all of them certain of his love.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM Friday, January 19, 2024, at McPeek Hoekstra Hoskinson Funeral Home, 133 S. Prospect St, Granville, Ohio 43023 where funeral services will be held 10 AM Saturday, January 20, 2024, with Military Honors.  Scott’s nephew, Curtis Martin will officiate the service.

Private burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery in Newark.

McPeek Hoekstra Hoskinson Funeral Home is honored to care for Scott and his family. Please visit www.McPeekHoekstra.com to share a special memory or to leave a message of condolence for the family.